Using electrical appliances in Japan

The voltage in Japan is 100 volts

If you want to use some electric appliances by putting the electrical plug into the outlet, you must prepare an electric transformer and a plug which matches the outlets in Japan.

The voltage in Japan is 100 volts.
This voltage is relatively low on a global scale.

In addition, the frequency of the power supply is 50 Hz in east Japan and 60 Hz in west Japan.

The difference in power frequencies occurred because German generators were installed in the Kanto region and American generators were installed in the Kansai region during the early days of power supply.

Electrical plug and outlet are the same in both areas.

As seen in the photo, Japan uses "Type A" plugs, which have two parallel vertical slots.

It is said that you can use most recent electric appliances in both areas.
But you must check the following appliances. (From the website of Tokyo Electric Power Company)

• Appliances using motor change the power : Electric fan, Juicer, Refrigerator, etc.
• Other appliances using motor can't be used : Washing machine, Drying machine, Old tape recorder
• Electric clock

But, do you have such appliance for the travel?
Probably, the electrical appliances you use might be things like hair straighteners, hair dryers, and electric kettles.

You should be able to use them without any problems.
But, I should probably check with them just in case.

Charging mobile devices

One of the biggest concerns while traveling is running out of battery on your smartphone or other mobile devices.

Naturally, you will need a power adapter that fits Japanese 100V outlets to charge your mobile battery.

Charging a mobile battery using the power outlet in your hotel room is the easiest and most feasible method.

There are sometimes accidents where a device catches fire while charging.
Therefore, for safety reasons, many hotels prohibit leaving devices charging unattended while you are out or sleeping.

You must keep an eye on the battery while it is charging in the room.

An increasing number of hotels now offer power outlets and USB ports dedicated to mobile device charging.

Many fast-food restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores have power outlets for charging at their seating areas.

If you need to charge your devices while sightseeing, you should charge them while having a meal or a coffee break.

Shinkansen is a high-speed train for traveling between major cities, and you will definitely use it when touring Japan.

Many Shinkansen trains are equipped with power outlets for mobile charging.
(But, some older types of the train don't have it.)

There are the outlets on the walls at the bottom of the window seats on both sides.

You can get a window seat by choosing seat "A" or "E" when buying a reserved ticket.

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